Ranking The Top 3 Players in Every Category

Today I will be ranking the top 3 players in a few different areas of basketball. This will be based on statistics and my individual opinion. Hope you enjoy.

Top 3 Shooters

Steph Curry

Are you honestly surprised. Steph Curry could be the best shooter this game has ever seen. Year after year, Curry continues to expand his range. To this day he remains one of the most electrifying players and shooters we have ever seen. He shoots almost 46% from beyond the arc, and Curry’s three point line continues to be further and further from the actual NBA three point line as he continues to expand his range.

2. Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield has always been one of the leagues better shooters. However, only this year did Hield see his first true breakthrough not only as a shooter but as a player too. Hield is shooting almost 43% from three this season, which is a stat that has been steadily increasing for Hield in the early years of Hields career. Many people have made comparisons to other shooters like Klay Thompson and Joe Harris in regards to Hield, which is elite company for such a young player like Hield.

3. Klay Thompson

Our second Warrior on this list, Klay is one of the best catch and shoot players of the modern era. Thompson and Curry have helped shape the new game of basketball. Quite often Thompson doesn’t get enough credit, due to his other shooting counterpart Curry taking lots of spotlight. Klay is certainly as good of a shooter as Curry. Atleast close for that matter. Thompson shoots nearly 42% from range which is elite numbers for a secondary star (if even that), and secondary shooting option.

Honorable Mentions:

Joe Harris, Davis Bertans, Seth Curry

Top 3 Ball Handlers

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is a generational talent. His elite ball handling skills highlight his exceptional game. Irving is extremely crafty and carries a street ball type of vibe. Irving comes out night after night and wows the crowds regardless of opponents. Irving is certainly one of the better ball handling players this league has ever seen, especially with the progression of the game. Unfortunately, there are no stats to back up Irving’s incredible skills (atleast no that I have access to) but if there was, I am certain Irving would lead the way.

2. Kemba Walker

Walker is a super underrated ball handler. Although his shooting is slumping a bit this season, he has increased his role as a slashing play maker for the Hornets. Watching Kemba use his crafty handles to drive to the basketball is an exceptional sight to behold. Walker’s handles are truly the central cortex of his ever growing range of play. If Walker could get his shooting back up, he could become a better finisher and solidify himself as the best ball handler in the league.

3. James Harden

Some would argue this be Steph Curry, however Harden has consistently found a way to pull off incredible handles in clutch situations. Harden’s double step back is extremely effective. Unlike Walker, Harden uses his handles to get open shots, as opposed to Walker’s handle and drive style. James Harden somehow gets away with some debatable travels, which is even more impressive than his handle itself. Perhaps his ability to get away with that third step contributes to his repertoire of godly handle status.

Honorable Mentions:

Steph Curry, Chris Paul, Damian Lillard

Top 3 Defenders:

Paul George

Paul George really is the complete package. Offensive MVP, and defensive MVP. George is an incredible defender and does not compensate for his offense on defense. Many players lack defense just because they are resting on offence, never the case for George, who really embodies the meaning of MVP, a player that can produce at an elite level in all aspects of the game.

2. Myles Turner

Myles Turner is a shot blocking machine. So far Turner is one of the top ranked defensive players statistically. Perhaps his best is yet to come, as Turner is still an under 25 player. Look for Turner to make a big splash on the league as he continues to improve offensively and dominate defensively.

3. Pascal Siakam

Pascal Siakam has emerged in the league as an incredible offensive player. Many people don’t realize that Pascal is actually a better defender than he his on offense. Pascal has earned the right to be Toronto’s number one defender, over one of the greatest defenders in our league Kawhi Leonard. Siakam can steal and block, which is a strong quality to have for a big man who would normally just block shots.

Top 3 Playmakers

Russell Westbrook

So many people discredit Westbrook’s incredible court vision. With the addition of Paul George, there is a narrative that there’s a power struggle within the two. Westbrook is now the only player to average double digit assists, marginally above the 10 assists mark. Anyone that says Westbrook is a stat padder is obviously not watching the games. Westbrook makes everyone on his team better, which is an incredibly underrated attribute of a modern point guard.

2. Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry certainly has his choice of people to pass the ball to. Lowry could look left, and see Kawhi, the potential MVP, or look right and see Pascal Siakam. the potential MIP. Lowry is surrounded with shooting, and inside scoring. He wastes none of these gifts, and continues to find his teammates season after season. Lowry now 32 has not depreciated in value, which is something the Raptors can look forward to night after night. Lowry is great at finding his teammates in tough gaps, he is crafty on the fastbreak, and sometimes can throw flashy passes.

3. Trae Young

A lot of people would hate on me for this. But Trae Young is not surrounded with very much shooting. Despite this, Young always seems to find a player on the perimeter, or in the paint. Young will be the best passer in the league when he reaches his prime, which is electrifying for Hawks fans who have seen nothing like Young in quite a few years.

(NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) in action against the at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2018 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Hawks 126-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.